New York may be a greener place but it's also become boring. Whatever happened to Sin City?
I am very much of the view that anything is better than nothing, and anyone is better than no one when it comes to making the planet a better place for future generations. So if it's boring it may be preferable to being interesting for all the wrong reasons.
And hence I have to say most on the list of initiatives seems pretty tame, logical and, with luck, likely to have a welcome effect.
Where I do get concerned, from billionaires upwards, is when the actual agenda is not too driven by altruism.
While the positives may still outweigh the negatives, there is a very broad and complex series of factors at play here, from difficult to quantify ones like 'awareness' and 'public motivation', to simple, tangible carbon reduction.
While not always easy, I try and judge all I am served by its enviROI, the actual benefit to what goes up in smoke at the end of the day, as this seems to be our most pressing area to address.
Sadly, and all too often, I find too many fail by being more minded to meet a target, score a rating, a political point or push a project through. And that does not help my kids' futures.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
All roads (and train lines) lead to London. Darn it.
Caption 1 - The carpark at Didcot Parkway. Rich in symbolism, I felt.Caption 2 - The goodie bag from the do. I'd have to say a few trees were hurt in the making of this show. Ah well, all in a good cause. And I did get a few things I can now re:view.
For a London boy, I find myself oddly in dread of going there. Yet, inevitably, I find myself doing so, again and again. Big lights, big city. Centre of all things.
Yesterday was another long day, but a worthwhile one.
The trip itself was very pleasant, both ways, though at four hours in either direction totalled a working day alone. I have been further experimenting with my options, and this time decided to try Didcot Parkway in another car/train combo.
By way of nerd analysis, I break down the trip in several ways, pretty much in this order of importance:
1) Cost (miles, fare, parking, tube, etc)
2) Time (on the road, on the train, hanging about for connections)
3) Convenience (turn up and step on or sweat on a connection)
4) Reliability (will they shut the motorway... again. Will the cancel the train.. again)
5) Flexibility (can I turn up or do I need to book? And can I change my plans?)
6) Comfort (sitting in my case next to the loos. Sitting at Swindon waiting for the missus to get me)
The drive was lovely, but did take 2hrs. I'd say petrol was pretty fair, especially as I took the small car. What was nice was the ticket price (except the parking) - £20 - but it was pretty restrictive. It kicked in at a a fair (fare?) enough post-rush hour 9.30am, but had a rather inflexible, pre-4pm, post 'lord knows how late' return, which made for an undignified early duck out and some Cinderella style scampering to get there to avoid becoming a pumpkin (or end up being penalised). This added the additional 2hrs. Other than standing on the way back, it was all comfortable, but the time and convenience was pretty low. Not sure I'd do it again, as all I managed was a rushed few hours to do the biz.
And this was two-fold. First up was to meet a potential advisor on hooking up with venture capital/business advisers for RE:tie. This went very well and is looking promising. I'd not go so far as to say that RE:tie is a no-brainer, but in the current climate its business applications are pretty clear... IF handled well. I came away feeling this chap knew where I was coming from and, more importantly, what and who it would take to make the journey to where I want to go a decent one for all concerned.
The other bird that got duly well stoned was the annual Bray Leino (possibly the world's most soothing homepage) networking bash (oddly, though this was held in London, most there who I met were from anywhere but). This is a specialist eco-PR agency who I came across as a consequence of them and us being involved with ecover. Sadly no one from that company was there, but a lot of other more than interesting, and I hope mutually regarding folk were. Such as dyson (new product out, which I plan to review soon), ecotricity, green.tv... and innocent. And it's true what they say - you can be as virtually whizz-bang as you like, but it really only happens in person over an organic quiche and a glass of fresh OJ (I made that last bit up).
Bonds were forged, with luck, and opportunities will I hope soon be created.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
You can call me 'Al'
ETHICAL MAN GOES GLOBAL
'Newsnight's one-time Ethical Man, Justin Rowlatt, travels (somewhat unethically by plane) to India - ETHICAL MAN GOES GLOBAL'
-----------------------
I don't know how he fared with families there, but he didn't do too well here. As to whether it was 'somewhat' something ending in 'ical', ethics were not the first thing that sprang to mind.
Glibly admitting the blatant nature of a 'don't do as I do; do as I say' reason, if not excuse, really doesn't (green)wash any more, even with the sad attempted justification of 'raising awareness'. But it is still being trotted out as if it justifies anything, no matter how superfici-al (another one) done in the name of eco.
As Saint Bob Geldof recently opined about the forthcoming Live Earth concerts: 'We are all pretty [gosh darn] aware enough already, and really don't need a bunch more celebs flying all over the place to tell us'. Such as Mr. 'Well, you know, not flying isn't really practical...for folks like ME' Blair, 'You can call me - in my Lear - Al' Gore, Leonardo 'I try to fly commercial' diCaprio, Richard 'So it's a few rich guys atop a column of greenhouse gasses to have a Kodak Moment in the stars - but I've sponsored a prize' Branson' and every eco-writer whose doom and gloom book has been preceded by a global promo tour.
All followed, or mirrored by just as '-al' journalists who seem big on justification and low on irony. I imagine it will not be long before Justin has to fly up to the icy wastes to join half the BBC already there 'studying' what Global Warming is doing to the icy wastes, thanks in part to all the folk flying up there to 'study' it.
Sure it may be your job. But that's the point. We all have jobs, and a lot of them involve some form of flying. If you won't... can't... shouldn't have to forgo this in the name of earning a living, why the heck should anyone else? THAT is the only message all this fake concern for the environment conveys. The BBC trumpets the world's largest network of correspondents, so why do we need one to fly, presumably with crew, to India to report on it there? If it's for a quick entertainment ratings fix then admit it, but don't try and pretend it is 'somewhat unethical' or has one whit to do with concern for our planet or kids' futures upon it.
I just look forward (with dread) to when a few thousand Indian journalists come over here to see how our water levels are doing, followed by a newly affluent middle class from Asia who as a consequence don't think any restrictions need to apply to them either. No wonder, with such a message from the media: 'whoever it is, it isn't me'.
THIS was his first return at living ethically having ended his year and dropped the 'attempt' like last night's leftovers in the waste bin???! He can, apparently, because he's 'no longer ethical'. Well, golly, that's all right then.
No wonder George isn't giving up his car. Good to see he can get his aircon fix at M&S though. I guess paying for plastic bags here soon will make up for it.
Nice one, BBC... nice one.
VIDEO
'Newsnight's one-time Ethical Man, Justin Rowlatt, travels (somewhat unethically by plane) to India - ETHICAL MAN GOES GLOBAL'
-----------------------
I don't know how he fared with families there, but he didn't do too well here. As to whether it was 'somewhat' something ending in 'ical', ethics were not the first thing that sprang to mind.
Glibly admitting the blatant nature of a 'don't do as I do; do as I say' reason, if not excuse, really doesn't (green)wash any more, even with the sad attempted justification of 'raising awareness'. But it is still being trotted out as if it justifies anything, no matter how superfici-al (another one) done in the name of eco.
As Saint Bob Geldof recently opined about the forthcoming Live Earth concerts: 'We are all pretty [gosh darn] aware enough already, and really don't need a bunch more celebs flying all over the place to tell us'. Such as Mr. 'Well, you know, not flying isn't really practical...for folks like ME' Blair, 'You can call me - in my Lear - Al' Gore, Leonardo 'I try to fly commercial' diCaprio, Richard 'So it's a few rich guys atop a column of greenhouse gasses to have a Kodak Moment in the stars - but I've sponsored a prize' Branson' and every eco-writer whose doom and gloom book has been preceded by a global promo tour.
All followed, or mirrored by just as '-al' journalists who seem big on justification and low on irony. I imagine it will not be long before Justin has to fly up to the icy wastes to join half the BBC already there 'studying' what Global Warming is doing to the icy wastes, thanks in part to all the folk flying up there to 'study' it.
Sure it may be your job. But that's the point. We all have jobs, and a lot of them involve some form of flying. If you won't... can't... shouldn't have to forgo this in the name of earning a living, why the heck should anyone else? THAT is the only message all this fake concern for the environment conveys. The BBC trumpets the world's largest network of correspondents, so why do we need one to fly, presumably with crew, to India to report on it there? If it's for a quick entertainment ratings fix then admit it, but don't try and pretend it is 'somewhat unethical' or has one whit to do with concern for our planet or kids' futures upon it.
I just look forward (with dread) to when a few thousand Indian journalists come over here to see how our water levels are doing, followed by a newly affluent middle class from Asia who as a consequence don't think any restrictions need to apply to them either. No wonder, with such a message from the media: 'whoever it is, it isn't me'.
THIS was his first return at living ethically having ended his year and dropped the 'attempt' like last night's leftovers in the waste bin???! He can, apparently, because he's 'no longer ethical'. Well, golly, that's all right then.
No wonder George isn't giving up his car. Good to see he can get his aircon fix at M&S though. I guess paying for plastic bags here soon will make up for it.
Nice one, BBC... nice one.
VIDEO
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Team.. er.. Work
Or... jobs for the boys & girls?
Just got this press release:
Office of the Third Sector appoints four Deputy Directors to spearhead new team structure
The Deputy Directors will each lead a new team, created as part of the recently announced OTS restructuring and coming into effect on June 4, and play a pivotal role in the leading and implementing the Government's approach to the third sector.
The range of skills and experience of the new appointees, encompassing considerable achievement in both public and third sectors, will help the OTS strengthen levels of understanding and partnership between the third sector and every level of government.
Now, while I am all for strengthen levels of understanding, and positively over the moon about the possibility of partnership (well, still waiting for any yet, but I'm sure it's coming), and accepting this is an exciting new sector to 'engage' with, but I do have to wonder what four new DDs and 'teams' adds up to in terms of service delivery and ROI to the taxpayer.
Just asking.
Just got this press release:
Office of the Third Sector appoints four Deputy Directors to spearhead new team structure
The Deputy Directors will each lead a new team, created as part of the recently announced OTS restructuring and coming into effect on June 4, and play a pivotal role in the leading and implementing the Government's approach to the third sector.
The range of skills and experience of the new appointees, encompassing considerable achievement in both public and third sectors, will help the OTS strengthen levels of understanding and partnership between the third sector and every level of government.
Now, while I am all for strengthen levels of understanding, and positively over the moon about the possibility of partnership (well, still waiting for any yet, but I'm sure it's coming), and accepting this is an exciting new sector to 'engage' with, but I do have to wonder what four new DDs and 'teams' adds up to in terms of service delivery and ROI to the taxpayer.
Just asking.
Those who report on the rich and famous are different to you and I...
... they evidently have no shame:
Indy - Her Majesty's parliamentary press corps are hopping mad. For years
they have had the privilege of parking their cars for free in the
Mall but there has now been a crackdown. Hacks will now have to fork
out 2,200 pounds a year for parking on the Mall, which is set to make
for an interesting set of expenses over the coming months.
Why, pray, do they need a car in the first place?
Indy - Her Majesty's parliamentary press corps are hopping mad. For years
they have had the privilege of parking their cars for free in the
Mall but there has now been a crackdown. Hacks will now have to fork
out 2,200 pounds a year for parking on the Mall, which is set to make
for an interesting set of expenses over the coming months.
Why, pray, do they need a car in the first place?
'No flies on us' zone
Nothing like a good bit of in-depth, critical repor... printing of a press release:
Global travel firms unite in climate-change drive
I look forward very much to the arrival of any bio-fuel that is 'carbon free', as I rather suspect that some may still be involved.
However, in the great trading scheme of things, if we are on a possible window measured in decades, it may be wise, no matter how unpalatable to the current lifestyle expectations of the richer nations and their populations, to also look at the possibility of a little less gadding about in the first place. That way we don't have to knock down forests to make the stuff and burn it in the first place.
Pretty please:)
Global travel firms unite in climate-change drive
I look forward very much to the arrival of any bio-fuel that is 'carbon free', as I rather suspect that some may still be involved.
However, in the great trading scheme of things, if we are on a possible window measured in decades, it may be wise, no matter how unpalatable to the current lifestyle expectations of the richer nations and their populations, to also look at the possibility of a little less gadding about in the first place. That way we don't have to knock down forests to make the stuff and burn it in the first place.
Pretty please:)
You scratch my back?
A curiously uneditorialised press release being reprinted here, all the more odd as it is from a rival paper group:
Murdoch: I'm proud to be green
Just one quick question; one of many this piece raised in my mind. As they obviously exist, but given that my 1/2sqm solar suitcase promises 13W on a good day, how exactly do these work?: '...practical measures include solar-powered golf carts to carry people round..'
Murdoch: I'm proud to be green
Just one quick question; one of many this piece raised in my mind. As they obviously exist, but given that my 1/2sqm solar suitcase promises 13W on a good day, how exactly do these work?: '...practical measures include solar-powered golf carts to carry people round..'
Monday, May 21, 2007
'Aving a LARHF
Mars forced into u-turn over animal products
There seems to be a whole new level of 'aving a LARHF (Left And Right Hand Foul-up) these days, where it almost beggars belief that one side of a marketing-driven organisation can institute something without those who may offer valuable views (especially to avoid boo-boos) having a say.
In this PC, inclusive, multi-allergic world, a major fmcg didn't commit to adding an animal-based product to some ranges where before there was none, without someone in the decision chain going: 'Er, hey guys, what about...?'.
Then again, if it were not for the cost involved and the amount of egg that should rightly be spread over various faces (with all due deference to Vegan sensibilities), have seen the more than chipper spokeslady making the most of the media interest last night, one could almost be forgiven for thinking that 'any publicity is good...'. Like it was meant to be:)
National Vegetarian Week (21-27 May 2007) - Gosh, what a coincidence!
There seems to be a whole new level of 'aving a LARHF (Left And Right Hand Foul-up) these days, where it almost beggars belief that one side of a marketing-driven organisation can institute something without those who may offer valuable views (especially to avoid boo-boos) having a say.
In this PC, inclusive, multi-allergic world, a major fmcg didn't commit to adding an animal-based product to some ranges where before there was none, without someone in the decision chain going: 'Er, hey guys, what about...?'.
Then again, if it were not for the cost involved and the amount of egg that should rightly be spread over various faces (with all due deference to Vegan sensibilities), have seen the more than chipper spokeslady making the most of the media interest last night, one could almost be forgiven for thinking that 'any publicity is good...'. Like it was meant to be:)
National Vegetarian Week (21-27 May 2007) - Gosh, what a coincidence!
Ask a silly question...
Is the environment a vote-winner?
Yes, so long as the enviROI (environmental end-benefit) is real, assessed without agenda, applied with long-term fortitude, with the pros and cons explained to the public clearly, based honestly and sold without spin.
So, no matter what hue from the political spectrum the next knee-jerk, half-considered, tomorrow's vote-swapper initiative gets served up from... then the answer must be... probably.
Trouble is, there will be one inevitable loser: the planet, and our kids' futures on it.
Yes, so long as the enviROI (environmental end-benefit) is real, assessed without agenda, applied with long-term fortitude, with the pros and cons explained to the public clearly, based honestly and sold without spin.
So, no matter what hue from the political spectrum the next knee-jerk, half-considered, tomorrow's vote-swapper initiative gets served up from... then the answer must be... probably.
Trouble is, there will be one inevitable loser: the planet, and our kids' futures on it.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Better than expected?
I just opened a read the latest email newsletter form the latest in a long line of lifestyle newsletter/feeds that I get. It's called ecogeek, and perfectly good it is too. Today they are suitably excited about their progress:
Another Milestone is Upon Us. We've just passed 1,000 RSS users and are officially being forced onto a dedicated server because people love us so much!
Even more awesome? EcoGeek is now providing content to Yahoo! along with a few other top environmental blogs like TreeHugger and WorldChanging. Check out green.yahoo.com for more.
Good for them, and well done. But it got me to thinking. Junkk.com does waaaaay better than that. Click on the link and we do a lot better than Yahoo, too.
Now, I need to capitalise on this as it obviously matters. And helps spread the word further.
Yet again, this is an area I know of, but not much about, and need to get going on this pronto.
Another Milestone is Upon Us. We've just passed 1,000 RSS users and are officially being forced onto a dedicated server because people love us so much!
Even more awesome? EcoGeek is now providing content to Yahoo! along with a few other top environmental blogs like TreeHugger and WorldChanging. Check out green.yahoo.com for more.
Good for them, and well done. But it got me to thinking. Junkk.com does waaaaay better than that. Click on the link and we do a lot better than Yahoo, too.
Now, I need to capitalise on this as it obviously matters. And helps spread the word further.
Yet again, this is an area I know of, but not much about, and need to get going on this pronto.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Politics. As Usual.
Good day for burying awkward news?
'Just how does this fit into Gordon Brown's new attempt to build trust?'
Well, I suppose it does seem a good way of trying to erase analysis of various parties' roles in the last ten years, and 'starting afresh', in theory untainted by the fact that he and most who still surround him were in the room when it all happened... Pensions, Education, Health, Iraq...
I'm still trying to get to grips with how this government thinks they bear no responsibility for their collective actions previously - under a leader they elected, - simply because a new leader has oozed into the top slot due to lack of... well, everything really.
I for one am living what they have created and know who bears responsibility. Trouble is, when it comes to voting them out there is precious little alternative, though I'm damned if this time I'll allow my protest be deemed a 'spoiled vote'. It was a democratic statement of my view on the competence who would claim to be fit to lead us, and should have been accorded status as such.
I just hope the 'Anyone but these clowns' clown who does get in has the humility to realise that by scraping in with a pathetic percentage of a pathetic percentage who vote does not count, nor should be trumpeted as 'a mandate from the people'. What are the odds?
Indy - The MP, his quad bike and a phoney scare story - Well said. It's just another nail in the coffin of the people's faith, and trust, in those who would claim to 'serve' the public.
Letters - QED
Indy - MPs have no reason to be exempt from FoI law, watchdog warns
'Just how does this fit into Gordon Brown's new attempt to build trust?'
Well, I suppose it does seem a good way of trying to erase analysis of various parties' roles in the last ten years, and 'starting afresh', in theory untainted by the fact that he and most who still surround him were in the room when it all happened... Pensions, Education, Health, Iraq...
I'm still trying to get to grips with how this government thinks they bear no responsibility for their collective actions previously - under a leader they elected, - simply because a new leader has oozed into the top slot due to lack of... well, everything really.
I for one am living what they have created and know who bears responsibility. Trouble is, when it comes to voting them out there is precious little alternative, though I'm damned if this time I'll allow my protest be deemed a 'spoiled vote'. It was a democratic statement of my view on the competence who would claim to be fit to lead us, and should have been accorded status as such.
I just hope the 'Anyone but these clowns' clown who does get in has the humility to realise that by scraping in with a pathetic percentage of a pathetic percentage who vote does not count, nor should be trumpeted as 'a mandate from the people'. What are the odds?
Indy - The MP, his quad bike and a phoney scare story - Well said. It's just another nail in the coffin of the people's faith, and trust, in those who would claim to 'serve' the public.
Letters - QED
Indy - MPs have no reason to be exempt from FoI law, watchdog warns
Crashing the party
It's pretty obvious that there are opportunities for promoting Junkk.com on social networking sites, especially as it has a lot that is visual and you can 'do'. And I'd like think our structure and style is appropriate and attractive to such audiences.
Other than the small matter of finding the time to tackle this task, it is also important to do it right. Hence I was pleased to stumble across this piece, which I found useful: Avoiding the MySpace Mistake (though the title may be a tad misleading - we should make such mistakes as MySpace! It in fact refers to etiquette upon it)
Other than the small matter of finding the time to tackle this task, it is also important to do it right. Hence I was pleased to stumble across this piece, which I found useful: Avoiding the MySpace Mistake (though the title may be a tad misleading - we should make such mistakes as MySpace! It in fact refers to etiquette upon it)
Getting Out & About
In terms of priorities, with all that is going on I seem to have a list 'yaaaaay long' of what to do first. Cloning self would be a good start.
However, pretty near the top, it seems obvious that while I have devoted so much time to RE:tie of late, Junkk.com has played second fiddle. I don't mean the site itself so much, which in theory is bubbling along on its own by being designed as a user-managed and evolving experience (exciting new features to come soon, though!), but promoting it.
For a long time I have been well aware of the potential of such sites as YouTube, MySapce, etc in offering routes to expose new markets to what we have on offer, especially as so much of it is stuff to 'DO', and is so visual. I'd also like to think we're pretty hip too, but by using that word I'm probably showing I'm not the guy to ride that particular wave.
Anyway, I was therefore grateful for this piece in BusinessWeek - Avoiding the MySpace Mistake - and even was moved to write to the author.
While my site is itself a budding social exchange, it is obvious to me that there are many opportunities for 'promotion' out there on sites such as MySpace, YouTube, etc.
The key is 'cutting through' and getting noticed, but in focusing on how to do that it would be all too easy to forget there are certain key considerations that need to be borne in mind, and this article was a valuable reminder of these.
However, pretty near the top, it seems obvious that while I have devoted so much time to RE:tie of late, Junkk.com has played second fiddle. I don't mean the site itself so much, which in theory is bubbling along on its own by being designed as a user-managed and evolving experience (exciting new features to come soon, though!), but promoting it.
For a long time I have been well aware of the potential of such sites as YouTube, MySapce, etc in offering routes to expose new markets to what we have on offer, especially as so much of it is stuff to 'DO', and is so visual. I'd also like to think we're pretty hip too, but by using that word I'm probably showing I'm not the guy to ride that particular wave.
Anyway, I was therefore grateful for this piece in BusinessWeek - Avoiding the MySpace Mistake - and even was moved to write to the author.
While my site is itself a budding social exchange, it is obvious to me that there are many opportunities for 'promotion' out there on sites such as MySpace, YouTube, etc.
The key is 'cutting through' and getting noticed, but in focusing on how to do that it would be all too easy to forget there are certain key considerations that need to be borne in mind, and this article was a valuable reminder of these.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Never mind the material. Just listen to the girl.
I too often get distracted by the blog, which really does get a tad 'earnest' itself at times, that I forget just how fun the estimable Grist can be.
So I can only direct you, with relish, at this, their review of Madge's latest incarnation, Earth Mother: And I Am a Recycled-Material Girl
Methinks she doth protesteth too darn after the band's wagon has rolled outta Dodge. And, it seems, perhaps with less than her usual skill.
I have no clue how to link to it as it came as an email, but here it is as received. Go to Grist and try and find it there if you fancy their links (which are many and, I'm sure, worthy, if only of note):
Madonna releases single to support Live Earth climate efforts
What is it about climate change that makes music ... suck? First we had Melissa Etheridge's "I Need to Wake Up," the earnest, Oscar-winning Inconvenient Truth anthem. Now we have Madonna's "Hey You," a somnolent single released this week in conjunction with Live Earth, the continents-spanning climate-awareness concerts planned for 7/7/07. While we can't complain about our favorite virgin's intentions -- the single is downloadable for free for a week, and Microsoft is donating 25 cents for each of the first million downloads to the Alliance for Climate Protection -- we can complain about her music. Because its vapid lyrics and "stripped-down, folksy" style suuuuck. Still, Live Earth's Kevin Wall called the release of the ballad, which Madge will perform at the London concert, "an incredible boost to our efforts to get people engaged in the environmental cause." And you should go download it! To support climate relief! Plus you might love it! In which case, ignore everything else we just said.
I wonder if they'll ask Bob Geldof what he thinks of it? Is it just me, or is Live Earth off to a less than glorious start even from the eco-side of the fence?
Awareness, people! Be aware, be very aware! And don't forget to buy the T-shirt.
So I can only direct you, with relish, at this, their review of Madge's latest incarnation, Earth Mother: And I Am a Recycled-Material Girl
Methinks she doth protesteth too darn after the band's wagon has rolled outta Dodge. And, it seems, perhaps with less than her usual skill.
I have no clue how to link to it as it came as an email, but here it is as received. Go to Grist and try and find it there if you fancy their links (which are many and, I'm sure, worthy, if only of note):
Madonna releases single to support Live Earth climate efforts
What is it about climate change that makes music ... suck? First we had Melissa Etheridge's "I Need to Wake Up," the earnest, Oscar-winning Inconvenient Truth anthem. Now we have Madonna's "Hey You," a somnolent single released this week in conjunction with Live Earth, the continents-spanning climate-awareness concerts planned for 7/7/07. While we can't complain about our favorite virgin's intentions -- the single is downloadable for free for a week, and Microsoft is donating 25 cents for each of the first million downloads to the Alliance for Climate Protection -- we can complain about her music. Because its vapid lyrics and "stripped-down, folksy" style suuuuck. Still, Live Earth's Kevin Wall called the release of the ballad, which Madge will perform at the London concert, "an incredible boost to our efforts to get people engaged in the environmental cause." And you should go download it! To support climate relief! Plus you might love it! In which case, ignore everything else we just said.
I wonder if they'll ask Bob Geldof what he thinks of it? Is it just me, or is Live Earth off to a less than glorious start even from the eco-side of the fence?
Awareness, people! Be aware, be very aware! And don't forget to buy the T-shirt.
They are cracking me up!
Before I go to bed, I just have to get off my chest the latest idiocy from out national broadcaster.
A few years ago, a dirty great lump of ice in the middle of the Canadian wastewaters broke off.
Now, it is probably not a good thing, and possibly a further sign, should we need it, of a warming trend climatically. So far, so factual.
But what do we get? Po-faced, the anchor announces that: 'this is what it could have looked like; before we get what seemed like a cut-price CGI animatic to the opening sequence of Ice Age, the movie. Basically a cartoon of a white thing with a crack running along it.
Then, just for good measure, we get a blow by blow account of the BBC reporter and team struggling, you guessed it, to get there in a chartered airplane to stand on this two year old lump of floating ice, '...to understand what may have caused this'.
For some reason, all watching thought this more of an effective p*ss take than the preceding Have I Got New For You, and fell off their chairs laughing. I sooo feel my licence fee is being well spent.
ADDENDUM - yes, it's now also on the web: Mission to Ice Island - 'you can follow the progress of myself and producer Mark Georgiou and cameraman Duncan Stone.'
A few years ago, a dirty great lump of ice in the middle of the Canadian wastewaters broke off.
Now, it is probably not a good thing, and possibly a further sign, should we need it, of a warming trend climatically. So far, so factual.
But what do we get? Po-faced, the anchor announces that: 'this is what it could have looked like; before we get what seemed like a cut-price CGI animatic to the opening sequence of Ice Age, the movie. Basically a cartoon of a white thing with a crack running along it.
Then, just for good measure, we get a blow by blow account of the BBC reporter and team struggling, you guessed it, to get there in a chartered airplane to stand on this two year old lump of floating ice, '...to understand what may have caused this'.
For some reason, all watching thought this more of an effective p*ss take than the preceding Have I Got New For You, and fell off their chairs laughing. I sooo feel my licence fee is being well spent.
ADDENDUM - yes, it's now also on the web: Mission to Ice Island - 'you can follow the progress of myself and producer Mark Georgiou and cameraman Duncan Stone.'
Them. The Other Them. And Us in the Middle
'Call us Malcolm, and we are strong (well, we can write really vicious blogs, anyway)!
After a mind-frying week, I decided to have a gentle surf of the 600 legitimate emails in my In-box that have built up over the last few days. Most are from e-newsletters, and will, sadly, now never be read, but the title of one caught my attention enough to read, and I am glad I did. It's good:
MTV Misses the Mark on Eco-Activists
This synergises so well with what I have experienced and write about, especially lately, over here. There is a really disturbing trend for the media and politics to try to drive wedges in matters green for their own short-termist ends.
This must be fought at every silly, sick little attempt to score a cheap vote or easy rating by using concern for the future so selfishly.
ADDENDUM:
I wrote to compliment the author, who has responded most charmingly:
Many thanks for your comments, and for taking the time to write in. I’m glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks for linking to it from your own blog!
I was moved to write on this because there were so many obvious, easy, constructive alternatives to what they had in mind. I’ve gotten lots of support from my friends and colleagues about it as well. I’ve been a part of SustainUS—The US Youth Network for Sustainable Development, which is an all-volunteer youth-run organization that sends young people to UN meetings, like the Commission on Sustainable Development, to have a voice. Being in great company there, it is so obvious to me that MTV would have plenty of candidates who would 1) make great TV, and 2) have innovative, educational, and important things to share.
Glad to be in touch.
Best,
Zoe
I hope to stay in touch with such a thoughtful correspondent.
After a mind-frying week, I decided to have a gentle surf of the 600 legitimate emails in my In-box that have built up over the last few days. Most are from e-newsletters, and will, sadly, now never be read, but the title of one caught my attention enough to read, and I am glad I did. It's good:
MTV Misses the Mark on Eco-Activists
This synergises so well with what I have experienced and write about, especially lately, over here. There is a really disturbing trend for the media and politics to try to drive wedges in matters green for their own short-termist ends.
This must be fought at every silly, sick little attempt to score a cheap vote or easy rating by using concern for the future so selfishly.
ADDENDUM:
I wrote to compliment the author, who has responded most charmingly:
Many thanks for your comments, and for taking the time to write in. I’m glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks for linking to it from your own blog!
I was moved to write on this because there were so many obvious, easy, constructive alternatives to what they had in mind. I’ve gotten lots of support from my friends and colleagues about it as well. I’ve been a part of SustainUS—The US Youth Network for Sustainable Development, which is an all-volunteer youth-run organization that sends young people to UN meetings, like the Commission on Sustainable Development, to have a voice. Being in great company there, it is so obvious to me that MTV would have plenty of candidates who would 1) make great TV, and 2) have innovative, educational, and important things to share.
Glad to be in touch.
Best,
Zoe
I hope to stay in touch with such a thoughtful correspondent.
Friday Fun
One should not mock. But as I sit here munching my sarnie I have decided to share a couple of images that tickled me a bit from my travels at the Total Packaging Show. They just go to show that when your travel, your language travels with you.
I have to say one stand could have attracted unwelcome attention; the other may have had some trouble attracting anything at all.
By way of balance, and to show that as a Brit I laugh with and not at, I do recall that that iconic sports car - The Triumph Stag - was discovered to mean something like 'Goat Droppings' in Turkish.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The Banana Metaphor
Sounds like a Robert Ludlum novel, doesn't it?
And apt that I should be penning this having just read this moments before:
The scandal of overpackaging on the doorstep of Parliament
By my best understanding from the organisers, neither the Independent nor any political critic, especially any mentioned here (a real shame, becuase I rated him until now), made it to the Total Packaging Show, at which I have spent the last few days. And that's a pity, because they all might benefit for being a bit better informed, and possibly retain some professional credibility as qualified commentators as well.
I have to say the whole piece seems outrageous just as a free-thinking individual, never mind having had the benefit of some further education at the show on the whys and wherefores of packaging. So I reckon the true scandal can be laid at the door of those seeking to profit from very dodgy politics and reporting.
'His mission was to locate the worst examples and report them to Westminster Council trading standards department for possible prosecution.'
I have to be grateful to the piece for one thing, as part of my learning curve I now have heard of The 2003 Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations, which theoretically outlaws products with unnecessary wrapping, and under which Environment minister (sic) Ben Bradshaw has apparently urged the public to report the worst examples.
"I would regard that as unnecessary" says Mr. Baker.
Has he asked why it is done like that? And in any case who is he to say what is, and is not... 'necessary'. I'm sure the suit he wears is not 'necessary'. But it is a consumer society, free...ish for now, and he chose it. It was on sale, so one can only presume it was permitted to be presented for him to buy it. Are we to believe that government, with all its rules and fees and licences and inspectors and committees and quangos, is seriously saying that it is only when it hits the rubbish bin that they have any part in authorising an item's existence, and are asking the public to police it (fines at the ready) for them on top? Bonkers. If you don't like what comes out at the end, deal with what goes in at the front! Or might that run afoul of a few tax revenues?
One thing I have learned at the show is that almost (an important caveat) no manufacturer, retailer or supplier in their right mind spends more than necessary on packaging. It simply adds cost.
Which brings me to the Banana Metaphor.
In one of the many seminars, a lady from the WI whipped out a cellophane-wrapped bag of bananas. 'Awful', she said. 'No reason for it', she huffed. And there it lay, on the podium, taunting us with its offensiveness.
Thing is, I wondered why it was so wrapped... and asked. She didn't know, and seemed rather stunned at our reaction that she didn't, and hadn't bothered to find out. She had had meetings with Gordon Brown, Terry Leahy and Lord alone knows who else to 'discuss' (they must p*ss themselves laughing as such folk walk out the door thinking they have had a fair hearing - the guy from ASDA actually offered that 'now this has been raised we must discuss it with you', obviously forgetting that the reason for the original campaign was because no one answered the WI's calls and questions) such travesties, but this was someone who didn't know why it had been done in the first place. How can you mount a campaign such as this without knowing all the facts!!! While her heart was in the right place, such lack of preparation undercut her whole message, which was a real shame.
But still, for now, as to why that banana was wrapped, I do not know all the possible reasons, and certainly not for certain. The guy from ASDA had a stab and said it was because they gave off an organic gas that accelerated rotting in other fruit and veg. Fair enough, if true, and not a bad mitigation as food waste is waaaay worse than packaging waste. You are offended by a wrapper? Try a pile of rotting fruit that has been flown from halfway round the world to go off (see the slide above? that's one from a Tesco speaker on carbon footprints, proving that a flower from Kenya can still be better than one from Holland. And I must say it made sense as I saw it).
In a future blog I will share some other stats I have been given which need to be checked, but really do put a different spin on things, as if enough were not being spun out of all reasonable control already. A guy from the floor, who packs for Tescos, offered that it was because it kept the hands together, as loose bananas were not picked up by shoppers and... went to waste.
See where I am going? For a start, it is not so simple as presented, but then there is the fact that the issues are being presented so WOEFULLY by all concerned, and frankly disingenuously for hugely selfish reasons by some, such that the consumer has no clue what to think. And, by my estimation, is thinking up a very wrong tree by what is being served up by our political and media establishments. However, the packaging industry does need to look at itself by fighting its corner so poorly. You may argue that it's not their job; they are merely a business responding to the specifications of those higher up the chain. But this is the new reality, and perception is every bit as key as truth.
"The worst example is the Ferrero Rocher chocolate... The box is probably worth more than the chocolates."
Well, yes, probably. Back to the suit, mate. It is possibly worth more than what's in it too. It's called gilding the lily. Get on this route and we are looking at being told how every free-thinking aspect of our lives is conducted, with no acceptance of style, choice or anything else. You can forget design, advertising...
I am not defending excess, but will totally fight against any hint of such nanny-state, killjoy intervention to freedom of thought and action, by self-appointed 'guardians' with agendas. Whatever means there are to curb excess there have been, are and may yet come, this is not it.
"It is perfectly possible to sell a lot of products without any packaging at all."
Some, yes. But it's a different world now. He, and others, are trying to tackle a global situation of immensely complex, interactive components, by scapegoating, to an incredibly simplistic degree, one, very small aspect. Just like trashing 4x4s lets every Londoner off the hook as they fly off for a skiing weekend because they have bought a Prius to beat the C-charge. It may buy a few more trendy-liberal votes and readers, but it does not make the planet better for my kids.
The Westminster Council decision was a great one for this environmentalist... for common sense. A prosecution here would be like taking a 12 year old to court for not disposing of litter in the right bin... oh, they have, haven't they? Are we really handing over our future, and that of our kids, to such shallow zealots?
"It's terribly wasteful, it won't break down."
Yes. And yes. But it is a box of luxury chocolates. Apply this logic to just about any aspect of our life today. It is one that demands we sit in a small box of our own, in a one-piece overall eating Soylent Green. That is not living, that is simply existing.
"It will go into a landfill site as it is and will sit there for decades."
Probably. But how about coordinating the waste strategy a bit better at your level, matey? That way the public can recycle it effectively. Or... reuse it. Now there is a site that helps with that. . Now, what was it? Not in the Indy because they have other agendas to shriek about... J...something.
"Fruit should be sold loose."
Er, not necessarily. I stand ready to see this further debated, but we get back to what is used and what is wasted, versus what is added by way of packaging to prevent waste. I will put my hand up with an example. My kids will not eat a bruised apple. Call it bad parenting, yoof of today or whatever, but that's the case. So if I buy loose apples they don't get eaten. I buy them protected and they get eaten. There can often be method in this, and the consumer is more often than not the culprit, not the innocent victim to be 'saved' by these folk.
Undoubtedly, some of these examples do seriously breach my ultimate test, which is the enviROI. But against that there are certain freedoms of consumer choice in a democratic society.
Remember that word: CHOICE. I like being able to exercise my right to make it, and to do so on a fully informed basis. This piece and such campaigns that lie behind do not, at least to me, come across as anything like that.
I can't stand....
Well, Monday's are taken as read, but as I am currently doing well skipping being pinned to an actual opinion by simply attributing to others, here is one from St. Bob that I 'noted' in light of some views I have held on this issue already: Live Earth? It's a waste of time, Geldof tells Gore
"To make us aware of the greenhouse effect? Everybody's known about that problem for years. We are all fucking conscious of global warming."
Couldn't have gosh-darn well said it better myself! As he points out, the organisers of Live Earth had no specific target... "So it's just an enormous pop concert or the umpteenth time that, say, Madonna or Coldplay get up on stage."
I am prepared to bet, however, that Indy journos will be gushing to get to the VIP Green rooms when it all hits town. Can't get enough awareness. Doing... well...
As a packager asked me yesterday at the show: 'Why is that they have this big campaign about packaging, yet I have never heard you guys mentioned as you are trying to mitigate its effects?" Quite.
"To make us aware of the greenhouse effect? Everybody's known about that problem for years. We are all fucking conscious of global warming."
Couldn't have gosh-darn well said it better myself! As he points out, the organisers of Live Earth had no specific target... "So it's just an enormous pop concert or the umpteenth time that, say, Madonna or Coldplay get up on stage."
I am prepared to bet, however, that Indy journos will be gushing to get to the VIP Green rooms when it all hits town. Can't get enough awareness. Doing... well...
As a packager asked me yesterday at the show: 'Why is that they have this big campaign about packaging, yet I have never heard you guys mentioned as you are trying to mitigate its effects?" Quite.
Getting what you deserve?
This could be deemed a slight case of shooting in the foot if taken one way, but I choose to believe that, having had some measure of award success in certain areas, I can at least make comment without being accused of total sour grapes (especially as, in the case below, I didn't apply - by clean forgetting - more fool me).
In fact I won't comment too much, but let the facts, and others, do it for me.
First up is this from the press office of the Observer Ethical (hold that thought) Awards:
AL GORE, GORDON BROWN AND DAVID CAMERON SHORTLISTED
The shortlist is revealed today for the second Observer ethical awards... The entrants were judged by a combination of reader votes and by a celebrity panel, which included Alastair MacGowan, David James and Emily Eavis. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony in London on June 7.
The Observer ethical awards aim to reward those pioneering a sustainable
future for the country and provide a unique opportunity to recognise and
reward the very best products, innovations and schemes that make living
ethically achievable.
There are some other interesting nominees in my view (look at the supermarkets), but this little lot grabbed my attention:
Politician of the Year
Gordon Brown
Caroline Lucas
David Cameron
Looking at the way the votes were cast, and having a vague understanding of people's motivations, I can sort of see how Mr. Cameron made it through sheer media spin and presence (that is, being on it, an no , in my view, by having any), if not, by any tangible measure why. Caroline Lucas makes sense, but I'd be fascinated to know who outside a pretty small circle have heard of her.
In fact I'm guessing a lot of folk had to scrabble to think of anyone in politics as actually, genuinely 'green' (which, as Ethical Man's travels taught me, is not quite the same as ethical).
But.... Gordon Brown?????!
Let's leave it to Dave of Solarventi:
And as on one hand Gord tells us about promoting eco houses and renewables....
… the other hand reduces grants! See the Indy
Hmn. Worth winning in such company?
In fact I won't comment too much, but let the facts, and others, do it for me.
First up is this from the press office of the Observer Ethical (hold that thought) Awards:
AL GORE, GORDON BROWN AND DAVID CAMERON SHORTLISTED
The shortlist is revealed today for the second Observer ethical awards... The entrants were judged by a combination of reader votes and by a celebrity panel, which included Alastair MacGowan, David James and Emily Eavis. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony in London on June 7.
The Observer ethical awards aim to reward those pioneering a sustainable
future for the country and provide a unique opportunity to recognise and
reward the very best products, innovations and schemes that make living
ethically achievable.
There are some other interesting nominees in my view (look at the supermarkets), but this little lot grabbed my attention:
Politician of the Year
Gordon Brown
Caroline Lucas
David Cameron
Looking at the way the votes were cast, and having a vague understanding of people's motivations, I can sort of see how Mr. Cameron made it through sheer media spin and presence (that is, being on it, an no , in my view, by having any), if not, by any tangible measure why. Caroline Lucas makes sense, but I'd be fascinated to know who outside a pretty small circle have heard of her.
In fact I'm guessing a lot of folk had to scrabble to think of anyone in politics as actually, genuinely 'green' (which, as Ethical Man's travels taught me, is not quite the same as ethical).
But.... Gordon Brown?????!
Let's leave it to Dave of Solarventi:
And as on one hand Gord tells us about promoting eco houses and renewables....
… the other hand reduces grants! See the Indy
Hmn. Worth winning in such company?
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